In a more connected world, it is important to project a clear vision of what the EU stands for and seeks to achieve in the world. We are working closely with state and non-state partners, as well as boosting EU study exchanges, our alumni networks and youth initiatives. For Example the Young MED vices plus initiative brings together young people form Europe and the Mediterranean to work on concrete policy proposals that address their most pressing concerns. In Ukraine the "Stronger Together" campaign highlighted the concrete benefits of partnership with the EU.

The EU is also working with partners to counter misinformation campaigns, in particular in Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans.

Promoting EU programmes such as Erasmus+ (, our flagship study programme and Horizon 2020, a multi-billion EU Research and Innovation programme, is also an important part of EU public diplomacy. In a more connected world, it is important to project a clear vision of what the EU stands for and seeks to achieve in the world. We are working closely with state and non-state partners, as well as boosting EU study exchanges, our alumni networks and youth initiatives. Promoting EU programmes such as Erasmus+, our flagship study programme, and Horizon 2020, a multi-billion EU Research and Innovation programme, is also an important part of EU public diplomacy.

As part of this, the EU is enhancing its strategic communications, which involves upgrading the consistency and speed of messaging on our values and actions. We offer rapid, factual rebuttals of disinformation – most notably our Disinformation Digest analysis – as well as providing news on the European Union. In parallel, the EU is continuously promoting an open and inquiring media environment within and beyond the EU, also working with local players through social media.

The sustainable development goals will be a cross-cutting dimension of all this work. Human rights, peace and security, and gender equality and women's empowerment are an integral part of all our policies. To ensure that a wide range of views are included, the EU Global Strategy and its implementation will continue to build on input from numerous outreach events and analysis of the research community.